Tile-ditching machine.



No. 868,937. PATENTED OCT. 22. 1907.

. L. POULTER & M. J. MUNSON.

TILE DITGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 00T.8, 1906.

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No. 868,937. PATENTED OUT. 22. 1907. M. L. POULTBR & M. J. MUNSON.

TILE DITCHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 001.8,' 1906.

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No. 868,937. PATENTED 001222. 1907. M. L. POULTER & M. J. MUNSON.

TILE DITGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 00T.8, 1906.

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PATENTED OCT. 22, 1907. M. L. POULTER & M. J. MUNSON TILE DITOHING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED 001e, 190s.

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I PATBNTED 001". 22. 1907. M. L. POULTER & M.-J. MU-NSON.

TILE DITOHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 001'. s, 1906.

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WITNESSES; ,4 5% 5 PATENTBD 001. 22. 1907. M. L. POULTER & M. J. MUNSON.

TILE DITGHING MACHINE.-

.APPLIOATION FILED 0OT.8, 1906.

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No. 868,937. PATENTBD'OGT. 22. 1907. M. L.VPOULTER & M. J. MUNSON. TILE DITGHING MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 061e, 1966.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MIOAJAH L. POULTER AND MARION J. MUNSON, OF STOOKPOR-T, IOWA.

TILE-DITOHING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 22, 1907.

Application filed October 8,1906. Serial No. 337,877.

The object of the invention is the provision of means i for facilitating the cutting of a straight ditch or trench, elevating the dirt therefrom to the surface of the ground, and depositing the same a sufficient distance from the excavation to prevent it from falling back therein.

With this and other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a view, in side eleva tion, of a mechanism constructed in accordance with our invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the mechanism depicted in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line a, a, Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the lifting cables and winding drum of the excavating device, and Fig. 4 is a front view of the same. Fig. '5 is a perspective view of the scraper for cleaning the scoops or shovels. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the framework, conveyer, and excavating-device. Fig. 7 is a top plan view of one of the scoops or shovels and showing a portion of the excavator-frame in horizontal section. Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation of one of the links of the excavator-chain, while Fig. 9 is an end view, in elevation, of the same. Fig. 10 is a rear view, in elevation, of one of the scoops or shovels and showing the excavator-chain attached thereto, and Fig. 11 is a similar view, looking at the scoop or shovel at rightangles to Fig. 10. Fig. 12'is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the driving means for the excavator-device, while Fig. 13 is a view of the same in side elevation. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the markerstakes. Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the level-device, and Fig. 16 is a view in side elevation of the same. Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view, in elevation, of the excavating device, showing particularly the framework and the gearing thereof, while Fig. 18 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 18, 18, Fig. 17 of the same. Fig. 19 is a horizontal, sectional view on line 19, 19, Fig. 18 and looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 20 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the excavating-device, showing particularly the shovels or scoops and the endless chain-carrier therefor. Fig. 21 is a fragmentary plan view of the clutch device employed in actuating the means for raising and lowering the vertically-adjustable excavating-device, while Fig. 22 is a view in elevation of the same.

Referring to the drawings, 30 designates the base or platform of the framework, which is supported upon front and rear axles 31 and 32. Journaled upon the front and rear axles 31 and 32, respectively, are wheels 33 and 34 respectively. The front axle 31 is pivotally connected to king-bolt 35. Mounted upon the framework 30 is an engine 36, by means of which power is derived for propelling the machine over the ground, and for driving the excavatingdevice and conveyor, as hereinafter described.

The guiding device for the front wheels 33 comprises a chain 37, suitably wound or connected upon shaft 38 and having its outer ends fixedly secured to the front axle 31. The worm-gear device 39 is operably connected in any ordinary manner to shaft 38, and said worm-gear device is actuated through the medium of inclined shaft '40 by a hand-wheel 41, which wheel 41 is mounted upon the machine near the rear thereof, whereby the operator of the mechanism can easily control the direction of travel of the entire machine, when the same is passing over the ground.

It will be obvious that upon rotating shaft 40, movement will be imparted to the shaft 38, through the medium of the worm-gear device 39, and, consequently, the sections of the chain 37 will be moved and will swing the shaft 31 upon the king-bolt 35 in the direction it is desired that the machine should travel.

Sprocket-chain 42 is suitably connected to the engine 36, and said sprocket-chain passes around one sprocket,- wheel of a train of meshing sprocket-wheels 43, which particular wheel is fixedly secured to shaft 43. Sprocketwheel 43 of said train is fixedly secured to a rotatable shaft 43, which shaft carries, near its ends,

pinions 43 that mesh with large gear-wheels or annular racks 43, fixedly secured to the rear wheels 34. A red 44 is mounted upon the framework 30, and said rod is connected, at one end, with any ordinary clutch-device 44, cooperating with the engine, and at its opposite end, with a lever 45. Through the medium of this rod 44, clutch-device 44, and lever 45, the gearing for driving the machine over the ground may be thrown in or out of operation.

The excavating-device 46 comprises a frame having parallel sides 46. Each of the sides 46 comprises a metallic frame having an endless groove'46, for the purpose hereinafter described. The frame 46 is slidably mounted in vertical, slotted, or grooved standards 47, which standards 47 are fixedly secured to framework 30. .Tournaled in the upper ends of the standards 47 is a horizontal drum or shaft 48, to which is secured, at one of their ends, cables 49. The cables 49 are secured attheir lower ends to the sides 46 of the frame of the excavating-device 46. Fixed to the drum or shaft 48 and preferably near one end thereof, is a sprocket-wheel 50. Upon the sprocket-wheel 50, there is positioned a sprocket-chain 48, which sprocket- I chain also passes around a sprocket-wheel 51, that is fixedly secured to shaft 48 A pinion 51 fixed to shaft 48 meshes with a worm-wheel 52 carried by shaft 48, see Fig. 1. Secured to the rear end of shaft 48 (see Figs. 1 and 21) is a beveled gear 48 which gear is adapted to mesh with beveled gears 48 fixed to shaft 48. By shifting the shaft 48, by any suitable means, the direction of rotation of beveled gear 48 will be changed, and, therefore, the direction of travel of the endless sprocket-chain 48, which imparts motion to the winding drum or shaft 48. It will, therefore, be obvious that, as the excavating-device 46 moves in a vertical plane between the uprights or standards 47, the bodily-movement of said excavating-device can be changed through the medium of the clutch-device. A hand-wheel 54 is secured to the front end of shaft 48. By rotating the hand-wheel 54, the excavating-device crn be manually elevated and lowered. If it is desired, the excavating-device can be elevated and lowered through the medium of the engine 36.

The elevating and lowering of the excavating-dcvice 46 is accomplished through the medium of the engine 36 by means of a sprocket-chain 54, passing over gears 54 and 79, Fig. 1, which gear 54 is secured to shaft 48, see Fig. 3. 1t will, therefore, be noted that we have not only provided manually operated means for elevating and lowering the excavating-device, but also means actuated directly by the engine for accomplishing these results.

Before the machine is placed in operation, it is desirable that the same should be correctly positioned for cutting the ditch, and, therefore, we employ a level device, which comprises a weighted arm 55 pivotally secured at 55 to a horizontal bracket 55 that is integral with a vertical flange or portion 55, which portion 55 is secured to the excavating-device. The horizontal arm 56 is pivoted to the bracket, as at 56, and said arm 56 is provided with a vertical, integral extension that is connected preferably at its upper end to the upper end of the arm 55, through the medium of a link 55. By means of the weighted arm 55, the horizontal arm 56 will, at all times, be retained in a correct, horizontal position. Stakes, which are driven at predetermined distances apart into the ground, along the line to be excavated, comprise vertically adjustable sections 59 carried by uprights 61, which uprights are connected to said adjustable section through the medium of a clamp and thumb-screw device 58.

As the level-device is carried by the excavating device, the operator, sitting in seat 60, can easily raise or lower the excavating-device, as hereinbefore described, so that, although the machine is traveling over uneven ground, the arm 54 can be retained in alinement with the horizontal arms of the vertically adjustable sections of the marker stakes. As before stated, the frame of the excavating-device, carrying the level-device, comprises the sides 46, upon which is suitably journaled sprocket-wheels 67, around which wheels, the endless carrier-chain 62 passes. Cooperating with the carrier or sprocket-chain 62, carrying bucket-like scoops. or shovels 68, hereinafter described, is a horizontal, endless conveyer 64, which is adapted to receive and convey the dirt or excavated material from the scoop to one side of the machine. This conveyer 64 is provided with slots or openings, through which the bucket-like scoops or shovels 68 pass. The conveyer works intermittently, or, in other words, does not move when the chain-carrier 62 is in motion. After each scoop has passed above the conveyer 64, Figs. 6 and 20, the conveyer 64 is moved a slight distance, by any suitable means, so as to place the solid portion of the same under the scoop which has just passed above said conveyor for receiving the load from the scoop.

Secured to a horizontal shaft 66, journaled in the upper end of the excavating-device frame 46, is a pinion 66, which meshes with a pinion 66. The pinion 66 is fixed to shaft 66", to which shaft 66 is fixed a belt-wheel 78, see Figs. 1, 3 and 13. The belt-wheel 78 is connected to a wheel 79 of the engine 36, through the medium of an endless belt 7 7, which belt 77 passes over wheels 80, 81, and 82, carried by the frame. Fixed to the shaft 66 and within the excavating-device frame is a sprocket-wheel 66, and suitably journaled intthe lower end of said frame is another sprocketwheel 67 The sprocket-chain or carrier 62 passes around these sprocket-wheels 66 and 67.

Each of the bucket-like scoops or shovels 68 comprises a body provided with open ends and with a longitudinally-extending opening or slot 76 upon its outer side. The upper end of the scoop is preferably sharpened to facilitate its cutting or digging in the earth. Secured to a portion 30 of the framework, is a scraper 74, preferably cylindrical-shape, and composed of sections, which sections are preferably secured together, at 75, and having their inner ends suitably attached to said portion 30 of the framework. The scraper is in the path of movement of the scoops or shovels 68, and as each scoop passes upward, the scraper 74 will pass through the scoop or shovel and clean the same of all of the dirt or load contained therein. The scraper is preferably sharpened at its lower end, and of necessity, moves in the slotted portion 76 of each scoop. Each scoop 68 is secured, through the medium of lugs 69, to links 62 of the endless carrier or sprocket-chain 62. The links 62 are provided with horizontally-extending shafts 62, upon which are journaled wheels 83. These wheels 83 travel in the slots or guide-ways 46 of the excavating-device frame. Each of the slots 46 are formed by a pair of angle-irons bent so as to produce an endless track or slot. It will, therefore, be noted that each scoop or shovel is provided preferably with a pair of lugs 69, and these lugs are integral with links 62 of the sprocket-chain or carrier 62. Each link 62 is provided with a pair of wheels working in guideways of the excavating-device frame. The bottom of the scoop is pivoted, as at 70, upon the lower lug 69. A bell-crank lever 70 is pivotally mounted upon one of the lower shafts 62 of a link 62, and said lever 70 is connected to the hinged bottom 70, through the medium of a link 70 A stub-shaft 70 is secured to lever 70 and journaled upon said stub-shaft is a wheel 71. The wheel 71 is adapted to engage the track 73, which is secured between the sides 46 of the excavating device. During the downward run of each scoop 68, the wheel 71 will come in contact with the end 73 of track 7 3, (Fig. 20) and as said wheel passes over the outwardly curved portion '73, the bottom '70 of the scoop will be closed and retain the dirt or load within said scoop until the Wheel 71 has passed the upper end 73 of said track, when the bottom 70 will swing downward and permit the load to be deposited upon the conveyer 64. It will, therefore, be noted that we have provided link and lever means actuated by a wheel passing over a track for holding the bottom in a closed position upon the scoop. Furthermore, while the load in the scoop will have a tendency of dropping out of the same, when the bottom 70 is released, still the scraper 74 will positively remove the load from within the scoop besides cleaning the same, which will materially facilitate the operation of the excavating device, as the scoop will not be clogged.

Secured to one end of shaft 66 is a beveled gear 66, meshing with a beveled gear 66, which gear 66 is fixed to shaft 66 see Fig. 1. A sprocket-wheel 66 is fixed to the outer end of shaft 66 and a chain 66 passes over said wheel 66 The chain 66 also passes over a sprocket-wheel 66 (see Fig. 3), which wheel 66 is connected to the conveyer 64.

What we claim is:

1. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, an endless-carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, stationary means for cleaning the entire inside of said scoop, and means for driving said carrier.

2. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier positioned upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, a scraper secured to said framework and adapted to pass through said scoop for cleaning the inside of the same, and means for driving said carrier.

3. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, said scoop provided with a slot formed in its side and extending its entire length and said slot open at both ends, and means carried by said framework and adapted to be positioned within the slot of said scoop for cleaning the inside thereof, and means for driving said carrier.

4. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported thereby, of a scoop secured to said carrier, said scoop provided with open ends and a slotted side, a scraper secured to said framework and adapted to extend through the slot of said side and into said scoop, means for closing one end of said scoop, and means for driving said carrier.

5. In aditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop provided with an elongated opening upon one side, secured to said carrier, means working in said opening for cleaning the inside of said scoop, and means for imparting motion to said carrier.

(i. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, a sectional scraper secured to said framework and adapted to be positioned in said scoop as the same passes said scraper, and means for imparting motion to said carrier.

7. In a ditching machine, the combination with a frame work, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, a scraper comprising sections, each section secured at one end to said framework and having its outer end left free, said scraper adapted to be positioned within said scoop for cleaning the same as said scoop in its travel passes the scraper, and means for imparting motion to said carrier. v

8. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, a scraper secured to said framework in the path of movement of said scoop and adapted to be positioned in the scoop and scrape its entire length for cleaning the same, and means for driving said carrier.

9. In a ditching machine, the combination with a frame work, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a bucket-like scoop provided with an opening upon one side, secured to said carrier, a substantially annular scraper secured to the framework in the path of movement of said scoop, said scraper adapted to extend through the opening of and into said scoop, as the scoop in its travel passes said scraper, and means for imparting motion to said carrier.

10. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop provided with a movable bottom, secured to said carrier, lever and link means connected to said bottom, means for driving said carrier, and means for actuating said lever and link means during a portion of the travel of the carrier for holding the bottom in a closed position.

11. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of an open-ended scoop secured to said carrier, a movable cover or bottom for closing one end of said scoop, lever and link means cotiperating with said bottom for holding the same in a closed position during a portion of the travel of the scoop, and means for imparting movement to said carrier.

12. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, an endless carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, said scoop provided with a hinged bottom, a lever pivotally mounted upon said carrier, means connecting said lever to said bottom, a track,

means connected to said lever and passing over said track for holding said bottom in a closed position, and means for driving said carrier.

13. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop provided with a movable bottom and secured to said carrier, of a bell-crank lever secured to said carrier, means connecting said lever to said bottom, and means for moving said lever for actuating said bottom.

14. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop provided with a hinged bottom secured to said carrier, a bell-crank lever connected to said carrier, :1 link, means connecting said link to said lever and bottom, means for moving said lever and link for closing said bottom and holding it in said position, and means for driving said carrier.

15. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, a carrier supported upon said framework, of a scoop secured to said carrier, said scoop provided with a hinged bottom, a bell-crank lever pivotally mounted upon said carrier, means connecting said lever to said bottom, a stub shaft secured to said lever, a wheel journaled upon said stub-shaft, a track, said wheel adapted to pass over said track for holding said bottom in a closed position, and means for driving said carrier.

16. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of an endless-carrier positioned upon said framework, an open-ended scoop secured to said carrier, said scoop provided with a hinged bottom for closing one end thereof, a bell-crank lever pivotally mounted upon said carrier, a wheel journaled upon said lever, means connecting one end of said lever to said bottom, a track, said wheel adapted to pass over said track for swinging and retaining said bottom in a closed position during a portion only of the travel of said scoop, and means for driving said carrier.

17. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of an excavatingdevico carried by said frame wvork, said excavating-device comprising a framework consisting of sides provided with endless grooves, a carrier working between said sides, said carrier comprising links, Wheels journaled upon some of said links and traveling in the grooves of the sides of the framework, a scoop secured to said carrier, and means for driving said carrier.

18. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a vertically-adjustable excavating-device carried by said framework, said excavating-device comprising a framework consisting of sides provided with endless grooves, a carrier working between said sides, said carrier comprising links, Wheels journaled upon the opposite sides of some of said links and traveling in the grooves of the sides of the framework, a scoop secured to said carrier, and means for driving said carrier.

19. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a vertical, endless-carrier supported upon said framework. a scoop secured to said carrier, a horizontal conveyer positioned contiguous to and in the path of movement of said scoop, said conveyer provided with an opening through which said scoop is adapted to pass in its travel, and means for driving said carrier and c011- veyer in timed relation.

20. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of an excavating-device provided with a scoop, carried by said framework, a conveyer in the path of movement of said scoop, said conveyer provided with an opening through which the scoop is adapted to pass in its upward travel, and means for actuating said conveyer and carrier in timed relation.

21. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a carrier, a conveyer cooperating therewith, said carrier provided with a scoop adapted to pass through said conveyer, and means for actuating said car rier and conveyer in timed relation.

22. In a ditching machine, the combination of a carrier, a conveyer cooperating therewith, a scoop secured to said carrier and adapted to pass through said conveyer, said scoop provided with a hinged bottom, means holding said bottom in a closed position upon said scoop as the same passes through said conveyer and adapted to release the bottom for permitting a load in the scoop to be deposited upon said conveyer when the scoop is above the same, and means for imparting motion to said carrier and conveyer.

23. In a ditching machine, the combination of a carrier and a conveyer, a scoop secured to said carrier and adapted in its travel to be positioned above said conveyer, said scoop provided with a movable bottom, means for closing the bottom during a portion of the travel of the carrier and holding the bottom in said closed position until the scoop is positioned above said conveyer, and means for imparting movement, to said carrier and conveyer.

24. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a vertical carrier supported by said framework, a horizontal conveyer supported by said framework, said conveyer positioned contiguous to said carrier, loadreceiving and supporting means attached to said carrier and adapted to pass through said conveyer and deposit a load upon the upper run of the same, and means for actuating said conveyer and carrier in timed relation.

25. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a carrier supported upon said framework, a conveyer supported by said framework and contiguous to said carrier, loadreceiving and supporting means attached to said carrier and adapted to pass through said conveyer and deposit a load upon the same, and means for actuating said conveyer and carrier in timed relation.

26. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of standards secured to said framework, a rotatable drum or shaft journaled upon said standards, an adjustable excavating-device positioned between said standards, cables secured upon opposite sides of said excavating-device and connected to and adaptedto be wound upon said drum for adjusting said device, and means for imparting rotary movement to said drum.

27. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a drum carried by said framework, an excavating device, pairs of cables positioned upon opposite sides and secured to said excavating-device, said cables connected to and adapted to be wound upon said drum for adjusting said excavatingdevice, and means for rotating said drum.

28. In a ditching machine, the combination of standards, a vertically-adjustable excavating-device positioned between said standards, a winch connected to said standards and to the upper end of said excavating-device for ad justing said device, and means for actuating said winch for adjusting said excavating-device.

29. In a ditching machine, the combination of standards, a vertically-adjustable excavating-device positioned between said standards, a winch connected to said stand ards and to said excavating-device for adjusting said device, a clutch-device, means connecting said clutch-device to said winch, and means for actuating said clutch-device for controlling movement of said winch and 'the vertical adjustment of said excavating-device.

30. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a verticallyadjustable excavating-device carried by said framework, a level-device connected to said excavating-device, said level-device comprising a bracket, a pivotally-mounted vertical arm carried by said bracket, a pivotal1y-mounted horizontal arm carried by said bracket, and means connecting said horizontal and vertical arms.

31. In a ditching machine, the combination with an ex cavating-device, of a level-device secured to said excavating-device, said level-device comprising a bracket, a pivotally-mounted, weighted arm carried by said bracket, :1 pivotally-mounted horizontal arm carried by said bracket, and a link connecting said arms.

32. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a level-device supported upon said framework, said level-device comprising a bracket provided with a horizontal extension, a Weighted, vertical arm pivotally mounted upon said extension, a horizontal arm provided with a vertical extension, pivotally mounted upon said bracket, means connecting the extension of the horizontal arm and the upper end of said Weighted arm, and a stake, said stake provided with an adjustable extension cooperating with the horizontal arm of said level-device.

33. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a level-device carried thereby, said device comprising a horizontal pivotally-mounted arm, a weightedmember, means connecting said weighted member to said arm, whereby said arm is normally retained in a horizontal position,

34. In a ditching machine, the combination with front and rear axles, wheels journaled upon said axles, of a framework, means pivotally connecting the front axle to said framework, a shaft carried by said framework, a fiexi ble member wound around said shaft intermediate its ends and having its outer ends fixedly secured to the front axle, a worm-device cooperating with said shaft for rotating the same and thereby adjusting the front axle, and means for actuating the wormdevice.

35. In a ditching machine, the combination with a framework, of a vertically adjustable excavating-device carried by said framework, 21 gear-wheel journaled upon said framework, means connecting said gear-wheel to said excavating-device, whereby when said wheel is rotated, vertical movement will be imparted to said excavatingdevice, a worm meshing with said gear-wheel, means for reversing the direction of rotation of said worm and there by the vertical adjustment of said excavating-device.

In testimony whereof we have signed this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

MICAJAH L. POUL"ER. MARION J. \IUNSON.

Witnesses F. M. DIATHEWS, SAMUEL M. WHITMER. 

